Chief Trial Attorney

Zurich; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Zurich North America is seeking a Chief General Liability Attorney to join our team in Irvine, CA. The role involves representing insureds in high-level litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations, with broad autonomy and strategic responsibility.

The attorney will handle complex liability matters, mentor junior lawyers, collaborate with claims teams, and ensure compliance with state and federal laws. A California Bar membership and 10+ years’ litigation experience are required.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor and 10+ years of experience in the Litigation area.
• Extensive experience handling complex liability litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations.
• Strong record of successful jury trial outcomes, preferably in insurance defense or liability matters.
• Member of the California Bar in good standing.
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite and Adobe.
• Experience with Lexis or Westlaw.
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims and the insurance defense litigation legal environment.
• Knowledge of the law and procedure.

Responsibilities

• Achieving best outcomes for clients by demonstrating a high level of technical expertise in case handling, trial preparation and presentation for cases of the highest level of complexity.
• Driving positive results by correctly applying the law and legal trends, conducting legal analysis and research, preparing legal pleadings and documents, preparing for and managing pre-trial discovery, and participating in judicial or administrative hearings and trials.
• Documenting case files by accurately capturing and updating relevant information in compliance with best practices.
• Working to have a timely resolution to matters by collaborating with the claims adjuster, developing a case strategy and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Ensuring customer service to clients by proactively communicating information; responding to inquiries; and following customer protocols.
• Determining and implementing alternative dispute resolution techniques as appropriate, by using effective mediation and negotiation skills within authority limits.
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, staying current with industry trends, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
• Contributing to the team effort by accomplishing related results and collaborating on matters as needed.
• Serving as a technical resource by providing guidance, and/or mentoring to lower-level attorneys on legal strategies and use of tools and resources.
• Identifying and suggesting improvement to tools and resources to contribute to continuous improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Ensuring legal compliance by following state and federal laws and regulations.
• Protecting Zurich’s reputation by keeping claims information confidential.

Skills

Effective communication

Negotiation

Teamwork

Collaboration

Analytical skills

Education

Juris Doctor

California Bar

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe

Lexis/Westlaw

Job description

At Zurich North America Claims we acknowledge that work life balance and flexibility are a priority when it comes to choosing your next career move. Designed with our employees' needs in mind, the ZNA Claims hybrid work model emphasizes flexibility, allowing claims employees to conduct individual work in their preferred location including the ability to work from a home office, while facilitating in-person connections and collaborative activities when meaningful and valuable. While the model provides a high level of flexibility and autonomy, occasional circumstances requiring in-office attendance should be expected.The candidate selected for this opportunity should be able to report to our Irvine CA Office once per week.

Zurich North America is hiring a Chief General Liability Attorney to join our team!

With minimal direction, The Chief Trial General Liability Attorney will represent the Company's insureds in all phases of litigation for matters of the highest technical complexity and engage in the practice of and the representation of Zurich insureds in litigation to protect their interests.

In this role you will be responsible for:

• Achieving best outcomes for clients by demonstrating a high level of technical expertise in case handling, trial preparation and presentation for cases of the highest level of complexity.
• Driving positive results by correctly applying the law and legal trends, conducting legal analysis and research, preparing legal pleadings and documents, preparing for and managing pre-trial discovery, and participating in judicial or administrative hearings and trials.
• Documenting case files by accurately capturing and updating relevant information in compliance with best practices.
• Working to have a timely resolution to matters by collaborating with the claims adjuster, developing a case strategy and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Ensuring customer service to clients by proactively communicating information; responding to inquiries; and following customer protocols.
• Determining and implementing alternative dispute resolution techniques as appropriate, by using effective mediation and negotiation skills within authority limits.
• Maintaining professional and technical knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, staying current with industry trends, establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
• Contributing to the team effort by accomplishing related results and collaborating on matters as needed.
• Serving as a technical resource by providing guidance, and/or mentoring to lower-level attorneys on legal strategies and use of tools and resources.
• Identifying and suggesting improvement to tools and resources to contribute to continuous improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Ensuring legal compliance by following state and federal laws and regulations.
• Protecting Zurich’s reputation by keeping claims information confidential.

Basic Qualifications include:

• Juris Doctor and 10 or more years of experience in the Litigation area
• Extensive experience handling complex liability litigation, including trials, arbitrations, and mediations
• Strong record of successful jury trial outcomes, preferably in insurance defense or liability matters
• Member of the California Bar in good standing
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite and Adobe
• Experience with Lexis or Westlaw
• Knowledge of the insurance industry, claims and the insurance defense litigation legal environment
• Knowledge of the law and procedure

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Effective communication skills
• Effective information technology skills
• Strong negotiation skills
• Experience working in a team-based environment
• Strong collaboration skills
• Effective problem solving and analytical skills

Your pay at Zurich is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation.

You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply—your unique background matters to us. The proposed Salary range for this position is $200,000 to $225,000, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 20%.

We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewardshere.]

Why Zurich?

At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.

Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.

Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets.

Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code § 1033.

Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.

Location(s): AM - Irvine

Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No